There’s a good episode of Gun Talk Radio this Sunday 6/7/2020. In recent days we have witnessed mass protests, rioting, arson, looting, and even murder in the streets. We have also seen business owners successfully defending their property. The unfolding crisis of urban unrest and violence have certainly caused Americans to consider armed self-defense.
Protecting your family, home, and property during crisis is the focus of Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk® Radio this week. This Sunday, Tom talks with security expert Wayne Black about current events — the rioting and violence. Black talks about training for first-time owners, and explains how best to protect yourself and your family in the case of a riot. Notably, some armed business owners have had success defending their stores — much like the Korean store owners did during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. Listeners can call to talk with Wayne and Tom about self-defense and armed security. Call 866-TALK-GUN with your comments and questions, and range reports.
Gun Talk Radio — Podcast Archive
If you miss the live show broadcast or Live Streaming, past broadcasts can be heard online via the GUNTALK PODCAST Site and Apple iTunes. The Gun Talk Podcast Archive has hundreds of past shows you can access via the internet. Listen via your home computer or mobile device. Here’s a recent podcast focusing on firearms selection for self-defense.
Gun Talk Podcast from 5/31/2020 — Security, Riots, and Gun Choices:
All Gun Talk shows are also archived as podcasts for download or online listening. Gun Talk is also available on YouTube, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and GunTalk.com.
What will a pandemic combined with social unrest do to gun sales? Drive them through the roof. Last month’s gun sales are up 75% compared to May of 2019, based on Criminal Background Check System (NICS) data, as adjusted by NSSF. Look at that spike in the chart!
NSSF explains that the May 2020 1,595,790 checks figure represents an increase of 75.2 percent compared to the May 2019 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 910,910. What does “adjusted” mean? The adjusted NICS data were derived by subtracting out NICS purpose-code permit checks and permit rechecks used by states for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. For comparison, the unadjusted May 2020 FBI NICS figure 3,066,740 reflects a 32.1 percent increase from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 2,320,918 in May 2019.
Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide an good picture of current market conditions. It should be noted that these statistics represent the number of firearm background checks initiated through the NICS. They do not represent the number of firearms sold or sales dollars. Based on varying state laws and purchase scenarios, a one-to-one correlation cannot be made between a firearm background check and a firearm sale. For more NICS information or to view the current monthly reports, visit the NICS website.
How to Receive Regular Data Reports from NSSF
Want to get regular sales reports? Then consider joining the NSSF. All NSSF members are able to access historical monthly NICS data by logging in and clicking on “Industry Research” then “NICS Data”. Questions concerning NSSF-adjusted NICS data should be directed to NSSF at 203-426-1320 or research@nssf.org.
A decade-and-a-half ago, our friend Robert Whitley created the 6mmAR, a wildcat based on the 6.5 Grendel necked down to 6mm. The great thing about the 6mmAR cartridge is that is offers superb accuracy with high-BC 6mm bullets, while working in AR15-platform rifles. The 6mmAR feeds and functions using 6.8 SPC or 6.5 Grendel AR magazines. We provided a full report on the 6mmAR way back in 2006.
Hornady Introduces the 6mm ARC Cartridge for AR15 Platform
Now Hornady, with no apparent credit to Whitley’s 6mmAR, has announced a copycat cartridge, which it calls the 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge). Hornady will offer loaded 6mm ARC ammunition and also cartridge brass. In addition Hornady will produce reloading dies, shell plates, modified case, and other accessories. SEE 6mm ARC SAAMI Specification.
Hornady states: “Hornady® is proud to introduce the new 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge). Recently tested, selected and fielded by a specialized group within the U.S. Department of Defense for its multipurpose combat rifle program, the 6mm ARC is a truly versatile cartridge that maximizes the potential of the AR-15 platform.” Hornady Ballistician Jayden Quinlan adds: “We subsequently modeled and tested a variety of designs in different calibers until we were able to produce the most flexible cartridge possible within the limits of the AR-15 system. The 6mm ARC does much of what larger cartridges can and everything that smaller cartridges can’t.”
NOTE: The rim diameter (0.441) and thickness of the 6mm ARC appear to be identical to the 6.5 Grendel as illustrated on page 40 of the SAAMI Industry Standards. From all we can tell, in other dimensions as well, this is a very close copy of Robert Whitley’s 6mmAR, a 6-6.5 Grendel wildcat. For example, 6mm ARC case length is 1.49″ vs. 1.51″ for 6mmAR. The Guns&Ammo report on the 6mm ARC states: “The 6mm ARC is based on the 6.5 Grendel. Hornady started by necking down the cartridge to 6mm and then pulled the shoulder back closer to the case head .030-inch. … Hornady also set maximum chamber pressure low at 52,000 pounds PSI. This slows extraction and makes it much less violent, prolonging the bolt’s life.”
There is an extensive discussion of the 6mm ARC on the Gun University website. You’ll find dimensions and performance numbers for the new cartridge along with videos showing the 6mm ARC cartridge tested in a Barrett AR-type REC7 DI rifle. Read Gun University Story HERE.
More Velocity Than a .223 Rem, Less Weight and Recoil Than a .308 Win
Hornady says the 6mm ARC “delivers substantially better ballistics than the [.223 Rem] and offers a much lighter gun/ammo system with 30% less weight than the AR-10/308 Win system. This new cartridge delivers less felt recoil than larger short-action-based cartridges, yet takes full advantage of modern, heavy-for-caliber 6mm bullets that provide excellent accuracy and ballistic performance at extended range.”
You can see a ballistic comparison between 6mm ARC, .223 Remington, and .308 Winchester in this Hornady chart:
Notably, a large number of AR gun-makers have committed to producing rifles or uppers chambered for the 6mm ARC. Some of these are: Adams Arms, Barrett, Brownells, Christensen Arms, GAP, Howa, Mossberg, Noveske, Odin Works, Radical Firearms, and Wilson Combat. In addition Geissele and CMC Triggers are listed as suppliers on Hornady’s 6mm ARC webpage.
The Proven Lapua Brass Alternative — 6mmAR and 6mmAR Turbo
If you want 6mm ARC performance in your AR15 with superior case life and consistency, consider doing the 6mmAR or 6mmAR Turbo instead. These are proven designs with winning records in high power competition. Redding produces dies, and complete uppers (with proper Grendel-sized bolt face) are available from 6mmAR.com.
Superior Accuracy with Impressive Ballistics
Robert explained to us: “Lapua’s Grendel brass is of exceptional quality, very hard at the back, with a well-annealed neck area, and it has a small primer pocket and small flash hole. When you start with this kind of brass, you have all the ingredients of great accuracy. Necked down to 6mm, it is like a long-bodied 6 PPC, that feeds and shoots well out of an AR-15. This gives you a case that can handle high pressures, with the accuracy pedigree of the 6PPC. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
To create the 6mmAR simply neck-down parent Lapua 6.5 Grendel brass, which has small primer pocket and small flash hole. Case capacity is 36.0 grains of water, filled to over-flowing. (For comparison the 6mm PPC holds about 32.5 grains). To prepare cases, simply run the 6.5 Grendel brass through a Redding 6mmAR full-length sizing die. The FL die’s internal neck diameter (0.267″) is spec’d to deliver about .004″ tension on the bullet–just right for a gas gun. Redding’s 6mmAR dies were built to Whitley’s specs and closely match the actual dimensions of the Lapua brass. This video from Robert Whitley shows how to form 6mmAR cases from Lapua 6.5 Grendel brass.
Velocities: With the recommended medium-burn-rate powders, bullets in the 85- to 90-grain range can be pushed to the 2800 to 2850 fps range. In most 6mmAR rifles, the 105- to 107-grain bullets can be driven to velocities of 2700 to 2750 fps in a 24″ or longer barrel. More speed is possible, but don’t count on it with the average barrel. If you want more speed the 6mmAR Turbo offers additional case capacity. This allows the 6mmAR Turbo to drive the heavier 6mm bullets at velocities close to 6mmBR Norma cartridge levels.
Magazines: The correct magazines are the key to a reliable, competition-worthy system. For best results with the 6mmAR or 6mmAR Turbo, use special 6.8 SPC mags or Alexander Arms Grendel mags. Those specialized mags will provide better reliability than standard .223 Rem/5.56 mags for the AR15.
NSSF Offers COVID-19 Operations Webinar for Outdoor Shooting Ranges
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) will offer a new Webinar, “Outdoor Range Models of Success During the COVID-19 Era”. The 60-minute Webinar commences at 11:00 am EDT on Monday, June 8, 2020. This Webinar will help range operators and clubs re-open their facilities while maintaining effective health and safety policies. The Webinar is FREE. However, NSSF Membership is required to participate. CLICK HERE to Register.
Produced as a coordinated effort of the NSSF, the National Shooting Complex, CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park, and Okeechobee Shooting Sports, LLC, this 60-minute webinar will answer questions regarding outdoor range operations during the COVID-19 era, including:
1. What specific strategies will your range use to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 as you reopen or prepare for expanded services?
2. How will you be communicating with your existing customers and new shooters on the range, through your website and via social media?
3. Will you host events and, if so, what policies will you implement to conduct these events safely?
The COVID-19 Outdoor Range Webinar takes place June 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon EDT. This webinar is free to all interested industry members, but attendance is limited, so we encourage interested parties to register at their earliest possible convenience. CLICK HERE to Register.
NOTE: This seminar is open to current NSSF members only. CLICK HERE to join NSSF to take advantage of this and many other member resources.
C0VID-19 lock-downs and now riots and looting in America have caused Americans to be very concerned with the safety of their families and security of their property. Not surprisingly, gun sales have skyrocketed in 2020 compared to the year before. Notably, a significant percentage — 40.2% — of the firearms purchasers are FIRST-TIME gun buyers. And retail dealers say about 40% of those first-time buyers are females, a historically high number. Overall it is estimated that 2.5 MILLION Americans joined the ranks of gun owners during the first four months of 2020.
NSSF-adjusted NICS figures showing year-over-year increases of 80 percent in March and 69 percent in April 2020. These strong increases led to more than 6.5 million NSSF-adjusted background checks in the first four months of 2020, up 48% from 4.4 million during the same period in 2019.
NSSF May 2020 Survey of Firearm Retailers
In May 2020, NSSF surveyed firearm retailers to learn more about gun sales during the first four months of 2020. Retailers reported an increased number of first-time gun buyers, estimating that 40.2% of their sales were to this group. This is a huge increase — nearly double — over the 24% annual average of first-time gun buyers that retailers have reported in the past. Semiautomatic handguns were the primary firearm being purchased by first-time buyers, outpacing the second-most purchased firearm, shotguns, by a 2-to-1 margin. Modern sporting rifles, revolvers and traditional rifles rounded out the top five types of firearms purchased by first-time gun buyers.
All this equates to more than 2.5 million new gun owners in 4 months of 2020.
Retailers noted that these new customers were spending $595 on an average sale and that 40.1% of first-time gun buyers in the first four months of 2020 were female. The main purchase driver among the group was personal protection, followed by target shooting and hunting. Also of note was that 25% of first-time buyers had already taken some form of firearms safety course.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) now offers a discount program for Affiliated Clubs and individuals. This program allows discounted purchase of airguns and rimfire match rifles. This can help jump-start programs for schools, junior clubs, teams, and camps. The discounts will be significant. For example a Savage Mark I-FVT .22 LR Rifle can be purchased for just $257.00, a 46% savings over the $480.00 regular price!
To place an order or to learn more, visit the CMP website at thecmp.org/clubs/cmp-affiliate-rifle-purchase/. Or contact the CMP Club Sales Department at (419) 635-2141 x753 or email clubrifle@thecmp.org.
The CMP Affiliate Purchase Program currently offers .22 LR caliber smallbore rifles, .177 caliber sporter air rifles, and a few air pistols. The products are intended for junior athletes in target training and competition preparation at beginning and intermediate levels. Equipment now available includes:
.22 LR Target Rifles
Savage Mark I-FVT, single shot, RH or LH $257.00 each (reg. price $480.00)
Savage Mark II-FVT, 5-round magazine, RH or LH $257.00 each (reg. price $479.00)
(These rifles may be purchased by clubs only, not individuals.)
Anschutz 1903 .22 LR RH rifle in .22 for $1595.00. No discount for CMP clubs or individuals.
Precision .177 Air Rifles
FEINWERKBAU 500 10-meter .177 air rifle – Club and individual price $1275.00 (reg. price $1295.95) from Pyramyd Air.
Air Arms MPR .177 Air Rifle – Club and individual price $850.00 (reg. price $999.49) from Pyramyd Air’
Anschutz 9015 Club Rifle – Club and individual price $1895.95 (reg. price $2199.99) from Pyramyd Air.
Hammerli AR20 Air Rifle – Club sales only $840.00 (reg. price $969.99) from UMAREX/Hammerli.
Sporter .177 Air Rifles
Daisy 599 10 meter competition air rifle, $595.00 (no club or individual discount)
Daisy M887 Gold Medalist CO2 air rifle – Club and individual price, $305.00 (reg. price $499.99)
Daisy Elite 753W pump air rifle, wood stock – Club and individual price $257.00 (reg. price $449.99)
Daisy Elite 753S pump air rifle, black synth. stock. Club and individual price $194.00 (reg. price 449.99)
Air Arms T200, .177 air rifle, for clubs and individuals for $525.00 (regular price $579.99) Pyramyd Air.
.177 Air Pistols
Pyramyd Air offers two air pistols:
Alfa Proj Competition PCP Pistol, .177 for $749.99 (reg. price $799.99)
Air Venturi V10 Match Air Pistol, .177 for $239.99 (reg. price $264.99)
Long-Term Payment Plans Available
Delayed payment plans (with the exception of the Savage Mark I-FVT and the Savage Mark II-FVT) are available that allow payments for clubs over a two-year span (not open to individuals). Purchaser must have ordered over $500 worth of items in order to qualify for the delayed payment program.
Magnified 8X view looking down-range at buffalo target.
Could You Hit a Steel Buffalo at 2240 Yards (1.27 miles) … with Iron Sights?
Impossible as that may seem, that’s exactly what Ernie Jimenez did some years back at the North Springs Shooting Range in Price, Utah (elevation 5,627′). Shooting a milsurp Swiss K31 rifle chambered for the 7.5×55 Swiss round, Jimenez placed four hits on a three-foot-high, bison-shaped steel target placed a staggering 2240 yards from the firing line. Not bad for a rifle which Jimenez acquired many years ago for just $99.00. Of course he did have plenty of misses along the way (and Ernie even managed to hit the plate shielding his camera).
This video is set to start half-way through, when the shooter starts making hits:
The whole process was recorded on video and posted on YouTube. The Long-Range Shooters of Utah say this is an official Guinness World Record for longest shot with iron sights. We can’t confirm that, but it still is an impressive feat. Jimenez had to compensate for a huge amount of bullet drop. His K31’s long-range military sights helped but he still had to aim well over the pink bison. To see how far that target is, watch the video at 14:30 — a camera at the firing line zooms all the way back until the bison is nothing but a tiny dot. The photo below show the target at 8X magnification, but it’s still barely visible.
Here’s the unmagnified, “naked-eye” view from the firing line. Can you see a pink buffalo at all?
Bullet Dropped Over 400 Feet along its Trajectory
To roughly gauge the bullet drop, we took a 7.5x55mm Swiss load from the Hodgdon Reloading Center. With max “book” load of H4350, a 168gr Sierra HPBT has a muzzle velocity of 2524 FPS. According to JBM Ballistics, that bullet will drop over 400 feet during its flight. That’s lot of hold-over! Assuming a 100-yard zero, 59° temp, and 5,600′ altitude, JBM calculates that the drop to 2250 yards is a stunning 210.9 MOA — that’s 4969.9 inches, or 414.15 feet!
In the first part of the video, shooter Ernie Jimenez talks about his hand-loads and his K31 rifle. Here is an example of the distinctive straight-pull K31 (Karabiner Model 1931). Image courtesy AIM Surplus.
All the candidates for Congress listed below do NOT respect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. These candidates are endorsed by a radical anti-gun group, the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. Many of these candidates have also received significant funding from anti-gun organizations.
Of course all voters should do their own research, but we suggest you look very carefully at the backgrounds, public statements, and voting records of these anti-gun candidates. Get the word out that these men and women intend to vote for aggressive and sweeping new legislation that could ban many types of firearms, increase ammo costs, lengthen waiting periods, restrict concealed carry, and limit your rights to defend your home and family.
According to Guns America Digest, these anti-gun candidates hope to spend their way into office with heavy funding from anti-gun organizations: “With at least a $60 million bankroll to spend on these politicians in 2020, Everytown thinks it is in the catbird seat relative to a financially strained and embattled National Rifle Association. The organization, which is funded primarily by failed presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg, believes its anti-gun candidates will win, and win big because they’ve signed on to support legislation that chills the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”
List of Anti-Gun Candidates Endorsed by the Everytown Group:
Congressman Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01)
Hiral Tipirneni (AZ-06)
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05)
Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)
Congressman TJ Cox (CA-21)
Christy Smith (CA-25*) (See Footnote)
Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-39)
Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45)
Harley Rouda (CA-48)
Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49)
Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05)
Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26)
Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06)
Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)
Congresswoman Cindy Axne (IA-03)
Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06)
Betsy Dirksen Londrigan (IL-13)
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)
Christina Hale (IN-05)
Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03)
Congressman Katherine Clark (MA-05)
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-05)
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-08)
Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)
Dan Feehan (MN-01)
Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)
Jill Schupp (MO-02)
Kara Eastman (NE-02)
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01)
Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03)
Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05)
Congressman Tom Malinowski (NJ-07)
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)
Congressman Susie Lee (NV-03)
Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04)
Jackie Gordon (NY-02)
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08)
Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-10)
Congressman Max Rose (NY-11)
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (NY-12)
Congressman Antonio Delgado (NY-19)
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01)
Congresswoman Susan Wild (PA-07)
Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08)
Eugene DePasquale (PA-10)
Congressman Conor Lamb (PA-17)
Congressman Joe Cunningham (SC-01)
Congressman Jim Clyburn (SC-06)
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)
Wendy Davis (TX-21)
Sri Kulkarni (TX-22)
Gina Ortiz Jones (TX-23)
Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32)
Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02)
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-07)
Carolyn Long (WA-03)
Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08)
Make no mistake, the Democratic Party politicians hope to advance radical legislation that will restrict gun rights. Remember what Beto O’Rourke pledged…
* Democrat Christy Smith was defeated by Republican Mike Garcia in a Special Election on May 12, 2020. Garcia, a former fighter pilot, stated: “It is clear that our message of lower taxes and ensuring we don’t take liberal Sacramento dysfunction to Washington prevailed. I’m ready to go to work right away for the citizens of the 25th Congressional District.” Garcia and Smith, both of Santa Clarita, will face off again on November 3, 2020 to fill a full two-year term in a swing district.
The Memorial Day weekend sales have ended — but don’t fret. We’ve found Brownells Discount Codes that can still save you 10% on your purchases. These Discount Codes will qualify you for significant savings on guns, ammo, parts, and reloading components at Brownells. Use these Codes during check-out and the savings will reduce your net cost. Get up to $40 off on a $400 purchase — that’s a 10% savings. NOTE: Some of these discount codes expire at the end of June, while others may expire at any time, so don’t hesitate. If one Code doesn’t work, try another.
Coupon Code: WC3 — $40 off $400
Expiration date: June 30, 2020
Coupon Code: WC2 — $20 off $200
Expiration date: June 30, 2020
Coupon Code: TAG — $15 OFF $150
Expiration date: Unknown expiration
Artistry in metal — Engraving has long been used to decorate fine firearms. The examples shown here prove that engraving is not a lost art. There still remain fine craftsman who can engrave beautiful designs into the metal components of pistols, rifles, and handguns. Above are engraved 1911s and Browning High Powers displayed by Baron Engraving at SHOT Show 2020. Baron Engraving also does great work on revolvers and long guns. Below are seve more beautiful examples of engraved semi-auto pistols, from a tiny Colt .25 ACP to Chuck Yeager’s gold-plated Beretta.
Centennial 1911 from Colt — Marking 100 Years
In 2011, to celebrate the 100th birthday of the 1911 hangun, Colt created a spectacular, fully-engraved “Anniversary Edition” pistol. J.M. Browning’s 1911 pistol was officially adopted by the U.S. Army on March 29th, 1911. (The U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy adopted the 1911 pistol roughly two years later). This Centennial 1911 is pimped to the max, complete with gold inlay and genuine ivory grips.
Stunning Engraved Trio — Colt, Mauser, and Luger
Here is a matching set of three three beautifully engraved pistols by the late Indiana engraving wizard Ben Shostle — a Luger, a Mauser, and a diminutive Colt. By themselves, these three matching pistols would make a prized handgun collection. Photo courtesy Amoskeag Auction Company.
Smith & Wesson Model 41 — 50th Anniversary Edition
The .22 LR Smith & Wesson Model 41 is one of our favorite rimfire target pistol. First released in 2008, the engraved model 41 combines superior accuracy with stunning appearance.For $1700.00 to $2000.00 you can find the fully engraved, 50th Anniversary Model 41 in presentation case on Gunbroker.com.
The Right Stuff — Chuck Yeager’s Gold-Plated Beretta
Here’s another pistol with a famous owner “The Right Stuff” Pilot, Chuck Yeager, the first human to break the sound barrier. This Beretta has extra value because it was owned by pilot Chuck Yeager. Photo NRA Museum.
One-of-a-Kind Fully Engraved Walter Q5
On display at the 2019 IWA Outdoor Classics Show in Germany was this stunning fully-engraved Walther Q5 pistol. Note how even the magazine end plate is engraved. On the slide is an American Eagle and the quote “We the People”. Those rare wood grips are also very eye-catching and handsome. This may be the fanciest Walther pistol on the planet.
